The Ambassador of France to Australia, His Excellency Mr Jean-Pierre Thebault is very fond of Melbourne where he held his first Official State Visit on Monday 29 November.

The day started at Treasury Place to meet with the Treasurer of Victoria, the Hon.Tim Pallas, and the Minister for Trade, The Hon. Martin Pakula.

Then, the Ambassador, still accompanied by the Honorary Consul, Mme Myriam Boisbouvier-Wylie, crossed the street to go to the Victorian Parliament to visit the Presiding Officers of the Legislative Assembly who offered them a lovely morning tea. The Hon. Colin Brooks is the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly (Lower House), while the Hon.Nazih Elasmar is the President of the Legislative Council (Upper House).

Ms. Boisbouvier-Wylie, the Hon.Nazih Elasmar, HE Mr. Thebault , the Hon. Colin Brooks

Afterwards, they met with the Premier of Victoria, the Hon. Daniel Andrews, before going to Government House for a lunch hosted by Her Excellency the Hon. Linda Dessau.

The afternoon followed with a meeting with the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, the Right Honourable Sally Capp at the Melbourne Town Hall.

They finished the official tour with a meeting with the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Matthew Guy, who was accompanied by the Hon Bruce Atkinson, former President of the Legislative Council, and the Hon. Craig Ondarchie, Shadow Minister for Energy and Renewables.

Their day ended with a private dinner in company of renown Australian Scientists.

The following day, on 30 November, still accompanied by Ms. Myriam Boisbouvier-Wylie, HE Mr. Jean-Pierre Thébault visited Auburn High School.

Auburn High School is located in Hawthorn East is one of the two Victorian government high schools that offer a French program based on the French curriculum. Auburn High School is accredited by the AEFE and will host the voting bureau of the French National Elections in 2022. 

This visit was an opportunity for the Ambassador to observe the students in action and exchange with them.

Prior to his State Visit, the Ambassador had already come to Melbourne on  17, 18 and 19 November. During these three days, the Ambassador had the opportunity to exchange with French business leaders of the FACCI, as well as discovering the challenges of the maritime freight industry as exposed by Shane Walden the CEO of ANL of CMA CGM Group.

The ambassador also enjoyed the cultural gems that lie in the heart of Melbourne, such as the Australian Tapestry Workshop and the State Library Victoria.

Examining the State Library’s archives